I have my micro in my island with a drawer below it. I store all my tupperware in that drawer. My range is also across from the micro. I think you will love having the drawer.

My MW is in my island, and I have a tall drawer beneath it. I was surprised how much that drawer holds--I can store two 12-quart stock pots in there!

I had the cabinet guy build the opening for the microwave to meet the specs of the smaller Sharp MW drawer, in case I decide to put one there.

A question for everyone here:
I am trying to do the same thing, but I am worried about the air circulation issues inside the cabinet. Most models require a minimum clearance about 2" from the sides and 1" from the top.
How did you address this? Some kind of venting inside the cabinet?
Thanks a lot!

I have very minimal space on the sides and top of my MW, but I do have some room behind it. I tend to use the MW for only a minute or two each time, and it hasn't been a problem for me in the 4 years we've used it.

Thanks artteacher_nj!

That is quite a relief to hear you have had it for long without a problem. Mine would have a similar use too, so I feel much better. BTW, would you mind telling me what is the of brand your microwave? I like how the buttons are on top vs the side.

I have the Sharp R-630DS Platinum Series Microwave.
I'm not sure if it is still available.

I have a Sharp MW drawer....with a drawer beneath it. I store all the MW stuff (bacon pan, etc.) plus all my colanders in it (the MW & drawer are next to my corner prep sink). It's very handy!

I think doors that low would be difficult to work with...JMHO.

HTH!

Here is a link that might be useful: Sharp KB-6025MS Microwave Drawer®

Heres one of a kitchen I recently finished remodeling

{{!gwi}}

Here's ours with the doors open. Notice how the cabinets slide into the cavity when opened so that they don't block the aisle or adjacent cabinets?

Here's our microwave cabinet with the doors closed. Choosing to do doors gave us plenty of room for air circulation and size flexibility if we need to replace the microwave without it looking bad with extra space showing. We chose to do the doors because the microwave location is prominantly visible from our neighboring living room.

here's mine: the sharp micro draw

Thank you everyone for the great examples...my fears have been put to rest! My cabinets are offically ordered and I should have them the week of 8/18....whooohooo! I am hoping for a Nov 2011 finish date! DIY specialists!!!